Individual match-ups to watch at 4A Tournament
This article will be highlighting interesting individual match-ups in the first round of the 4A state tournament. Play will begin on February 28th at the University of Utah and also Utah Valley University. Eli Ballstaedt (Wasatch) vs Matt Lindsey (Olympus)…
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Continue ReadingThis article will be highlighting interesting individual match-ups in the first round of the 4A state tournament. Play will begin on February 28th at the University of Utah and also Utah Valley University.
Eli Ballstaedt (Wasatch) vs Matt Lindsey (Olympus) 5:50pm at University of Utah
Ballstaedt is one of the best players in the entire state as he is averaging 23 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 assists per game. He is a deadly shooter from the mid-range and also from the three. Wasatch is a huge underdog in this game so Ballstaedt will need to have a huge game for them to have a chance. Lindsey had an excellent year for the top ranked Olympus Titans. He is averaging 16 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists per game. Lindsey is also an excellent defender and should be able to slow down Ballstaedt.
James Nelson (Salem Hills) vs Stockton Ashby (Hillcrest) 2:30pm at Utah Valley University
Nelson is a big time scorer as is averaging 22 points per game and is also pulling down 8 rebounds per game. He is a volume shooter and once he hits a few shots Nelson can scorch you for 30 plus. Nelson can shoot the three ball and he also like to score from the block. Ashby is Hillcrest’s best overall player as he is averaging 13 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists per game. He like to get to the rim in transition and is able to finish with his athletic ability. Ashby also is a good defender who has some highlight blocks this season. I think Nelson will need to have a huge game in order for them to win.
Jaxon Clarke (Ogden) vs Dalten Stewart (Timpanogos) 7:30pm at University of Utah
This is the battle between point guards. Clarke is such an important piece to what Ogden does. I think twin brother Hunter will have a big game but the key to an Ogden upset is Jaxon. He is averaging 15 points and 4 assists per game and he plays great defense. When Jaxon plays really well, Ogden almost always wins. He must outplay in Stewart for Ogden to have a chance. Stewart has been great all year from the Region 7 co-champions. He is averaging over 14 points per game is really good at getting others involved. Stewart has proven he has college level talent. If he has a solid game Timpanogos should roll.
Taylor Peppinger (Murray) vs Parker Christensen (Maple Mountain) 7:30pm at Utah Valley University
Peppinger is one of the best three point shooters in 4A basketball. He has connected on 62 three pointers this season but has been very up and down on his shooting. I think in order for Murray to pull the upset he will need to make 4 or 5 three pointers. Christensen has really turned heads with his play this year. He is averaging over 15 points per game and has been able to score from the outside and also getting to the rim. I think this is a bit of a trap game for Maple Mountain so Christensen needs to at least score is average to ensure a win.